5.0
Pros: The staff from Vancouver to Winnipeg was spectacular and so friendly (Debora and Ceci (blond lady)) ; but the one from Winnipeg to Toronto was awful and unfriendly (Robert and Paul) if they don’t like their job, just quite but treat people good and don’t be around with their unhappy face, they didn’t care to keep clean the dinning area... Tips: Don’t be mad if you don’t get wifi bevause you will share with more people and that’s nice!! The old fashion way!! Sometimes I wanted WiFi to watch a movie but it was good not to get it.
4.0
Pros: I absolutely loved all of my interactions with other solo travellers and the staff on the via rail train across Canada. The crew from train 4 from Vancouver to Manitoba was especially great! While spending 4 nights seated upright does not sound like the most comfortable experience, the lack of crowds on board the train resulted in me being able to spread onto not one, but two seats for 3/4 nights! Cons: I cannot think of anything in terms of service that can be improved. I feel as though the facilities, such as bathrooms and chairs, could use some more thorough maintenance, though none of this is the responsibility of the traveling crew. Tips: ~Bring healthy snacks or buy them in each town the train stops in ~Bring a short water bottle ~Have changes of clothes organized ~Wear a sleeping mask and earplugs if you are a light sleeper ~Bring a travel pillow and a blanket ~Register as entertainment for a free ride, or just bring an instrument and be entertaining ~Bring a simple game that you can play with your neighbour, like Uno! ~Get off the train at every opportunity ~Get to know a stranger in the dining car ~Sit in the bubble for a better view ~Have a great playlist or album to listen to ~Bring some business cards to keep in touch with people you meet ~Try to switch seats halfway through the journey so your neck does not get sore from looking at the view ~Tell everyone that by training across Canada rather than flying you are cutting your carbon dioxide emissions by more than 95% ~Bring a reusable container and cutlery ~Enjoy the trip!
